By their dimensions, complexity and impact, major projects require significant financial resources and time to prepare at appropriate quality requirements. They are subject to new and different appraisal and approval procedures before a final conclusion is made by the Commission about their EU funding. These include important changes compared to the 2007-2013 programming period and therefore require smooth and timely adaptation by project promoters and managing authorities. Experienced professionals will present these new procedures and the main risk factors experienced in project appraisal and approval (e.g. EIA, climate change, state aid) to a diversity of stakeholders and provide a forum for discussion on experiences and questions.Target audience:- EU, national, regional and local policy/decision makers- Authorities managing and evaluating cohesion policy programmes and projects- Other stakeholders: private companies, financial institutions, European and national associations- Academics, students and researchers